Former Brainerd resident charged with shooting death
By NATE DYBVIG
Staff Writer
MILACA, MN
The former owner of the T Juan's restaurant in Baxter was charged Thursday with a shooting death that occurred Tuesday in Onamia.

Michael Norman Bakke, 53, Bemidji, was charged with one count of second-degree murder for the death of Loren James Lehnhoff, 34, Walnut Grove. He was also charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder for the wounding of Heidi Jo Gustin, 27, Onamia.

According to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Department, Bakke, Lehnhoff and Gustin were all at Trophy's bar and restaurant north of Onamia. Shortly before 10 p.m., Bakke left the building, and a short time later Lehnhoff and Gustin decided to leave together. As they reached the door of the bar, Bakke apparently met them, and allegedly ordered Gustin back into the bar. He pulled a gun from his pants pocket and after a brief confrontation shot Lehnhoff. As Gustin struggled to escape from Bakke, she was shot in the right arm. Bakke then allegedly attempted to shoot Gustin, but his gun misfired, and the round did not discharge.

When officers arrived on the scene, they questioned Gustin and she was able to provide a description of Bakke and his vehicle. Law enforcement located Bakke's vehicle in Kanebec County, and after confirming his vehicle registration, turned on the squad car's lights. Bakke apparently attempted to flee the officers, but as he reached a roadblock on Highway 65, he apparently lost control of the vehicle, rolling it into the ditch. Officers were able to extract Bakke, and upon further medical examination it was learned he had a gunshot wound in the head, which officers believe was self-inflicted.

Bakke was transported to North Memorial Medical Center where he was listed in serious condition today.